Young and the Restless star Kristoff St. John released an emotional statement about the loss of his son who passed away days before Thanksgiving.

"It is with deep sorrow and overwhelming heartbreak that I regretfully share the news that my beautiful, talented, 24 year old son, Julian 'Jewels' St. John, passed away on November 23," the actor told Entertainment Tonight. "He suffered from schizophrenia for many years and tragically lost his life just a few days before Thanksgiving, and two weeks before his 25th birthday. His legacy will live on in our hearts and for those that continue to suffer from this insidious disease."

He added, "My ex-wife Mia, Julian's sisters Paris and Lola and I, are all devastated beyond words and belief. We mourn the loss of our son, brother, artist poet, and a giant of a young man. A beautiful life gone much too soon. Julian will forever be remembered as he now takes flight with Angels."

Earlier this week, the actor's ex-wife took to social media to announce that their son committed suicide after a long battle with mental illness.

"He fought long and hard against an illness for which there is no cure. Unfortunately the pain became too great for him and I dare not say he lost the battle--he simply chose to set himself free," she wrote on Facebook.

On Julian's website, TheArtofJulian.com, he described himself as "a complex, but extraordinary young man" who uses his art to take people "through his journey of psychosis."

"It's a story of despair and triumph, where reality and delusion become intertwined," reads the website which which showcases his artwork.

Tags: The Young and the Restless